The legitimacy and training of service dogs has come up a lot recently, and many of the cases do not have clear solutions[4].But what about when someone is consciously taking advantage of the privileges granted to service dogs?

With the USDAA Cynosport World Games[5] coming up in Scottsdale, Ariz., I’ve been talking to many of the local competitors about how they’re traveling with their dogs.Some are caravanning in their RVs and others are reluctantly putting their pups in cargo.

One of the more seasoned competitors mentioned that while she dutifully puts her dogs in cargo, she always sees fellow competitors passing their pups off as service dogs on the plane.

I understand the appeal of having your dog fly with you, safe and sound.It’s certainly a tempting option, and probably in your pet's best interest, but it seems to me like an abuse of the system.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) [6]protects people with service dogs, which the federal government defines as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.They don’t need to be licensed or certified by the government, nor are they required to show any identification to prove a medical condition or the dog’s capabilities (although many companies sell authentic looking certificates for a hefty fee).

The flexibility designed to help the disabled also allows the law to be easily abused. These well-meaning people have their pup's best interest in mind, but are also unknowingly undermining legitimate service dogs.

What’s your take? Is playing service dog unethical or responsible pet care?

Correction: The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) [7]protects the rights of airline passengers with disabilities. Unlike the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ACAA allows airlines to ask questions and request documentation to verify a service dog.

JoAnna Lou is a New York City-based researcher, writer and agility enthusiast.